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Happy Tails

34 un-socialised cats and kittens rescued by the ISPCA

ISPCA Inspector Lisa O’Donovan recently assisted with a colony of 34 un-socialised cats and kittens in Mitchelstown, Co. Cork. The ISPCA was contacted by a local welfare group to assist with the colony as there were severe health issues and concern for the welfare of many of the cats.

At the property Inspector O’Donovan, with assistance from Community Cats Network, humanely trapped all the cats and kittens and transported them to the vet. Many of the cats were extremely emaciated and some of them were gravely ill. None of the cats were spayed or neutered and inbreeding had also become a serious issue, spreading disease.

The cats were not feral, but were all un-socialised. Intervention was desperately needed for the health and welfare of the cats. 10 healthy cats were returned to the trap site following neutering and health checks, and the remaining healthy cat and kittens were transported to the ISPCA National Animal Centre for rehoming.

Inspector O’Donovan said, “This was an extraordinary situation and ISPCA intervention was necessary. It is unfortunate that some of the cats had to be humanely euthanised on veterinary advice, as there were serious health issues that could not have been resolved. It was compulsory to return as many healthy, neutered cats as possible to the site to prevent new stray cats re-establishing a colony there.”

This case highlights the need for on-going education on the benefits of spaying and neutering, as well as the need for Trap, Neuter, Return (TNR) projects to assist with colonies of this nature. To learn more about TNR and Feral Cat Awareness Week please click here.